This page may contain additional navigation below.
Our People
Simon Haslett, Assistant Head of School & Principal Lecturer (Science & The Environment)
I've just been given the title of Professor by the University which is a real acknowledgement of my work here. The career progression is great - since starting here in 1994, I've gone from lecturer to senior lecturer and I was then promoted to my current role as Assistant Head a couple of years ago. I find the most rewarding thing about lecturing at Bath Spa is that, because it is relatively small, I can really get to know most of my students on a first name basis and build good relationships with colleagues in every School. My subject is Coastal Science and the University is very supportive of my research work, both in terms of flexibility and financial support. The University has funded my research fieldwork in Australia on three occasions in the past seven years. This support of scholarship and research pursuits is invaluable. When I'm not in the field, I'm here in my office which is set in a stunning environment, with spectacular views of a medieval castle from the window. Although I live in South Wales, I usually get home in time to spend a few hours with my children before bedtime, which makes for a very happy work-life balance.
Ian Gadd, Lecturer in English Literature
Bath Spa University is incredibly dynamic in its response to new ideas and technologies. Shortly after starting here, I became closely involved in developing and co-ordinating the university's e-learning initiative, and was given specific responsibility for implementing a dedicated learning software package across the institution. The success of this implementation project has meant real recognition from senior management and I've been asked to deliver papers on our experiences at conferences and events around the country. I completed my PhD in 2000, by which time I'd decided I wanted to be a lecturer, but because the demand for jobs far-outstripped the availability, it wasn't until 18 months later that I saw the advert for this post and decided to go for it. They were looking for on-line learning development experience in addition to a 16th & 17th Century English literature specialism, which sounded perfect for me. Whilst applying, I researched the position thoroughly to improve my chances. I spoke to someone really friendly and helpful in the History Department who told me everything I needed to know. They also have a great English research rating, which is unusual for a new university. The campus is really impressive and the size of the University means that I pretty much know every member of the academic staff and can build relationships with all of my students, on top of which I know my contribution is making a real difference.
Paul Hyland, Principal Lecturer, History
Since I was offered a job here some 20 years ago, after learning of the vacancy through an advert in the THES, I've seen a lot of changes. Bath Spa has grown steadily, developing a wide range of undergraduate courses, Masters Degrees and research programmes, supported by a community of teachers who are dedicated to the pursuit of teaching and learning excellence based upon student needs and aspirations, as well as cutting-edge research and scholarship in their particular disciplines. The scope of my own work has also grown, as I've taken responsibility for leading projects and initiatives, as through the Higher Education Academy's Subject Centre for History, aimed at developing the subject in higher education throughout the UK. This has given me a good insight into the experiences of staff and students working at other institutions and a clear appreciation of the benefits of being at Bath Spa. Here, not only do all staff have the privilege of working at beautiful campuses in an internationally outstanding city, but also of contributing to the development of the institution as a national centre for excellence in its distinctive fields. The wide range of awards held by staff, from major research grants to National Teaching Fellowships, reflects the strong standing of the university in the educational community. But the main reason I love working here is that there is a genuine team spirit at every level, with everyone playing their part, and feeling part of, the continued success of the university.